I have used fixodent for years. I I use way more than directed .could this be a cause for health issues

I have used fixodent for years. I use more than directed on label .alot more.I have been having health issues from small bowel obstruction to rectal bleeding.I heard that fixodent contains zinc and to much could cause health problems which it clearly says on tube but I never took time to read. I am wondering if I should stop using fixodent all together or is there any adhesives that don't contain zinc

Hi Janine, thanks for your questions, and sorry about your health issues! :( As you’ve read on the box, it is very important that Fixodent is only used once a day. One reason is because excessive and prolonged zinc intake is reported to be associated with serious health problems. The amount of zinc in Fixodent has undergone extensive scientific evaluations and been determined to be safe, but it must be used as directed. Please call my team at 1-855-236-3353 (M-F, 9am-6pm EST) so we can discuss your experience using Fixodent. Marion is right, we do have two products with no zinc added that might be a better fit for you (Fixodent Neutral and Fixodent Plus TrueFeel). However, whether the products have zinc or not, Fixodent can still only be used once per day as stated on the box. I hope this helps answer your questions, and please consider giving my team a call!

Our bodies need zinc to function properly but, like everything else we ingest, it must be done in moderation according to specific guidelines. The Recommended Dietary Allowance of zinc varies, but generally, the recommended daily allowance for zinc is 11 mg per day for men and 8 mg per day for
women, respectively; however, a zinc dose of 40 milligrams is approved safe to use by FDA and a zinc dosage more than this can pose certain risks. Fixodent has a very low level of zinc, around 17 milligrams in each gram of paste.

The truth of the matter is that only about 30% of the zinc that you intake can get absorbed by your body. The amount of zinc that an average denture wearer would swallow from normal use of denture adhesive would be less than the zinc in almost all daily vitamin supplements, and about the same as the amount of zinc you would get from eating six oz. of beef.

If you use the recommended amount stated on the package, research shows that the amount of zinc an average user absorbs from Fixodent or Poligrip is
approximately 2 mg. Where the cases of zinc toxicity come from are the users who were using 2 to 3 tubes of adhesive a week! A 2.4 oz tube of adhesive should last at least 7 to 8 weeks, while a 1.4 oz tube
should last at least 4 to 5 weeks. This product should not be used more than
once a day.

Oral zinc sulfate supplements can also cause side effects such as stomach upset, heartburn and nausea. Rare side effects have also been reported and these include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, weakness and fatigue.

You mentioned problems such as bowel obstruction and rectal bleeding. Neither of these have been mentioned under zinc side effects in any of my research but, they ARE serious medical conditions that require immediate treatment!

I am hoping you have a strong and open relationship with your Primary Care Physician and that you will discuss your concerns with him/her as soon as possible!

If you decide to continue using denture adhesives, please know that they are completely safe when USED AS DIRECTED!

Thank you for this information. I understand that Fixodent and others should ony be used 1x daily. But the problem with me is that as soon as I eat a meal, my denture comes up and needs to be reglued down. This happens several times a day, so I guess am poisening myself? gail

If you are interested in Secure dental adhesive(s), the ingredients and other information, go to their website. It is a different compound than Fixodent and is NOT water soluble. http://www.securedenture.com/faqs.aspx#1

Hi there, I too am using fixodent but if I use the amount directed then my teeth just won't stay in my mouth they just fall out so I have to use more of it to make it work, but even when I use more of it I don't go overboard with it and always do my best to use no more than I absolutely necessary. Since starting to use fixodent I have been suffering with chronic gastro problems, my stomach has swelled up and got really big and firm with constant stomach ache, iv got constant heartburn and nausea, I'm passing blood and small clots in my faeces along with what appears to be fixodent, since using fixodent it is causing a horrible slimy coating in my mouth and on my tongue and it oozes all over my teeth causing my teeth to get covered in slimy pink fixodent and makes my mouth in such a horrible mess that i cant even talk properly and people dont understand what im trying to say so i just give up.it is also giving my mouth sores and my throat and my tongue feels burnt and sore all the time, its even quite painfull actually, I'm constantly in pain and discomfort from fixodent and I have been having all kinds of tests done to check I don't have cancers in my mouth, throat, gullet, oesophagus and stomach/bowel due to having a history of a serious illness but all of these problems I'm having now are only since using dental fixatives and it is really really making me ill, I can't eat I feel like I'm going to choke when I lay down at night because I feel like there's a serious blockage in my wind/food pipe and my stomach is totally swollen up and painful and discomfort, please can you help me and make any suggestions as this really is ruining my life and life really is not worth living without fully functioning teeth and there's no way I can use this fixodent long term as I just can't tolerate it at all, my mouth even bleeds and gets so sore from it and this just is seriously not a long term solution and I don't have a clue what I'm going to do if the only way for me to keep my teeth in is by using fixatives. Please help!!!

Jeff, we are sorry to hear about your physical condition. We would very much like to get additional details from you and answer any questions you may have at the same time. Please give us a call toll free at 1-855-236-3353, M-F, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. when you are feeling up to it. Please let the agent on the phone know that I sent you from here and why. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

That's a great question, AliciaP. Zinc enhances adhesion, keeping dentures in place much better and for longer.

Zinc is a mineral that is an essential ingredient for good health. It is found in protein-rich foods such as shellfish, beef, chicken and nuts, as well as in some dietary supplements. However, an excess of zinc in the body can lead to health problems such as nerve damage, especially in the hands and feet. This damage appears slowly, over an extended period of time.

Overuse of zinc-containing denture adhesives, especially when combined with dietary supplements that contain zinc and other sources of zinc, can contribute to an excess of zinc in your body. That is why you will hear me saying over and over that it is important to not overuse the products that do contain zinc. Hope that makes sense!

I have been suffering with a cough, wheezing sounding for several months now. I also have epigastric pain off and on and last Summer I had my esophagus dilated because of impacted food and narrowing. I hadn't put these symptoms all together but they could be since they are all emanating from my epigastric area. I only recently decided to be suspicious of the denture cream. I have to use it more often than once a day, it doesn't holdup well and therefore doesn't last. So, this adhesive stuff is running down my throat constantly. I believe I've developed an allergy to it and that it may also be responsible for impacting my esophagus. I think it's highly likely. So, you folks at Fixadent have your warning label on the package but you don't list potential side effects. Why? And don't tell me it's because you're not required too. I'd be interested in what you know the side effects to be. Yours truly,

Anita, I used fixodent cream for two days in a row. I noticed the next morning I had this funny feeling in my stomach and had to throw up something that looked green watery not anything solid but then I found out that the fix a dent has zinc in it and I apparently have a problem with the Zinc as I could never use those zinc lozenges that came out years ago without a stomachache.

Anita & Elizabeth, we are so sorry to hear about what you are experiencing. We don't list side effects because you shouldn't experience any as long as you are using it as directed. Fixodent shouldn't cause any digestive problems because the ingredients pass through as undigested material.

Your health and safety are very important to us. Please give us a call toll free at 1-855-236-3353, M-F, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. so we can make a report and answer any questions you may have. Please let the agent know that I sent you both from here and why. Hope to hear from you soon! TY! ~Rosie

Elizabeth......I really appreciate your response, not only because of my own issues with it but as an RN I really like the follow-up and making any scientific connection that is reasonable to make. Thank you so much for taking the time to include me in your day. Fixodent, in my opinion does not have great hold, thus the need to use it more often. However, there isn't a huge market for this and using Zinc free is at least an alternative to try. I was also thinking that maybe the "Good Earth" stores might carry an alternative. Just a thought. Thank you again so much. Anita

Hi Anita, you are very welcome I am glad I could be of some help. I only have my top denture for 4 1/2 almost 5 weeks since Jan 25th, had my extractions done on October 30 so I went almost 3 months with no top teeth I was not offered an immediate. I would also like to tell you that I have used poly grip paste and poly grip strips also I got a sample of secure from the company and a sample of the EZ cushion, A very tiny sample , have read some good things about it on this site. I personally like the secure better than the poly grip. I think it's a matter of preference you may like something better you may like the poly grip better than the secure but I think the secure holds better. And feels more comfortable. That is just my opinion of course. If you have any questions that is something I know about I would be happy to respond. Elizabeth

several months ago I had my bottom teeth removed ready for a denture...when I noticed that my top denture became loose....so I started using Fixodent containing zinc on the top...but use Poligrip on my bottoms....for 6 to 7 months now I have had trouble with my voice and no doctor can figure it out...Ive spent 5 grand in just months on different testing and still nothing....Ive been researching everything I know to give me an answer....as of today I will stop using the Fixodent with zinc to see if my voice changes for the better...and will have my doctor check my zinc levels.....if anyone out has ever used this and has had a problem with their voice please contact me and let me know....im so looking for answers to this problem...my e-mail address is yankeejo_al@yahoo.com.....thank you!

Hi all, I have just found this post as I seemed to have formed a habit of building up layers of fixodent allowing each layer to set and then eating it like chewing gum and swollowing it.
I know most of you will now be laughing or in utter disbelief but I can go through a large tube in under a week.
So far (nearly 2 yrs) I have had no ill effects.

I bought fixodent adhesive today for the first time and about an hour after putting it on my denture i got very nauseous and got the diarrhoea and a violent headache . I will never use it again and recommend that nobody else use it either .

I was given Fixodent Plus by my dentist office because I have a temporary bridge while getting implants. The first time I used it, I became nauseous and got diarrhoea. It did not hold my temporary bridge so I returned to the dentist and subsequently, I have gotten a refit of the bridget. Still it slips terribly so I am back to using the Fixodent just so I can chew. The nausea and diarrhoea is present even if I only use it once a day. I cannot find the Fixodent product without zinc in it. Does anyone know where it can be purchased? I have celiac disease and I wonder if this product has traces of gluten in it.

Hi Michelle. Fixodent adhesive creams do not contain gluten. Our Fixodent Plus True Feel Denture Adhesive Cream has no zinc added to the product, however, as a result of shared manufacturing lines this formula may contain up to 0.2% zinc. We're sorry to hear you've been unable to find it. We make all our products available to retailers, so if you don't see it on store shelves, you can speak to the manager of your favorite store and have him/her order it. You can also purchase it online here: https://www.pgshop.com/Fixodent-Plus-TrueFeel-Denture-Adhesive-Cream-2.0-oz/PG_00037000896678.html?c... If you need further assistance or would like to talk through questions, please call us toll free at 1-800- 214-8871. We're open Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm EST.

A good article. I am a retired RN and I am most definitely going to follow up with my PCP, The Denture Dentist absolutely
This last week the sutures and connective tissue are coming out on my already sore and swollen tongue
Someone needs this responsibility to go further and being retired gives me time and we all know it comes down to money! I was never told of the existing Zinc problem by any medical
I have cholesterol problems and I have had to have major abdominal surgery for a small bowel blockage,
And so let the fun begin

I have been uding fixodent and polygrip for about 20 years and have undiagnosed numbness in both my feet. I know it isn't circulation as I was tested for that. No one ever seemed to take much interest in this and I have just found out about the zinc. It makes me absolutely sure that this has been the cause ! Furious! not sure where to go with this or how to have zinc levels checked.!?

Wow, after learning about zinc in fixodent I am sure that is the reason for my hoarseness that seems to get a little better than turns for the worst. I know can hardly talk now, it's been a month now I thought it was inhaler use. I have COPD and emphysema. I would like to know if I should even be using this product, because of existing health issues?

I have been using over 2 rubes a week of fixOdent for over 20 years...I now have terrible pain all over my body...I know it has to be this...I really need help.....lots of nerve problems...tired and always in pain all over my body...can any one suggest something I can do..I can barley walk or stand the pain much longer...they call it all kinds of things ..like cvd...fibromialgia....other things also...thank you..

We're very sorry to hear this. Health and safety are our first priorities and we'd like to learn more about your experience. Please call us toll free at 1-800-214-8871, so we can talk through questions. We're open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-6:00pm ET. Thank you.

I also use Fixodent, but I was given the power form, I have to use it more then 10 times a day, and that only depends on how much I eat or drink, and I try to not eat or drink as much as possaple because it seams no matter what it is with in 2 minuets it has made my dentures come loose to the point that you would never think I ever used any. Everything seems like it just melts the power away especially milk products, peanut butter or anything that has a soft creamy consistency. However the fix dent in the tube is just plain awful and nothing but a mess, I have use the recommended does and where to put it on the denture, and it doesn’t hold anything I have to keep my teeth graded together so they don’t fall out. The powder is much better, however I am finding now that I use way too much several several times a day, but that’s only because No matter what I eat or drink as I said it seems to dissolve all the ahicive , And I now too and wondering if the sink is causing some of my health issues, I do get nauseated, always dizzy, and the fatigue and tiredness is unbelievable as well as weak muscles. I was always pretty strong person, I was a nurse for years but I find now that I don’t even have the strength to do that job any longer, due to the weakening in my muscles in the fatigue that I feel. I don’t know what else to do, I cannot forward to keep going to a dentist for the same thing to happen within just a couple weeks. I also get not as much headaches but sharp pains in my Head could this be the cause of it? I go through a large bottle of the fix in powder approximately every two weeks. Is there really any good answer out there for those of us they cannot afford dentures that you just snap in? I’m even too embarrassed to go out to dinner to eat afraid of my teeth falling out while I’m chewing.

I just found this page. I'm not sure if anyone is still reading it that has posted here but I have a few suggestions for Christa. I found a six pack of poligrip powder on amazon for under $30, and it's enough to last for quite a few months. At one point, I was using the powder at least 5 times a day on the uppers because it was getting loose, while using glue/cream on the bottoms, and fixing that at least twice a day. And at any sign of looseness I'd obsess over it until I couldn't stand it anymore and go fix it.However, I have found a good medium. What I do now is use the powder on the uppers, then add some glue/cream on top too after wetting the powder. The tops don't have to be changed at all now. I was using poligrip on the bottoms and haven't had to change at all either, but I accidentally bought fixodent last week (they're both pink and white tubes, didn't look at the brand when I grabbed it). While the fixodent does seem to work a little better, I'm switching back to poligrip as soon as I can. I've got a weird numbness going on in my nose, that of which I've experience when taking ﻿﻿﻿﻿acetaminophen. I'm fairly certain it's the zinc.

I have been using over 2 rubes a week of fixOdent for over 20 years...I now have terrible pain all over my body...I know it has to be this...I really need help.....lots of nerve problems...tired and always in pain all over my body...can any one suggest something I can do..I can barley walk or stand the pain much longer...they call it all kinds of things ..like cvd...fibromialgia....other things also...thank you..

I can't imagine using that much adhesive! This is my first experience with Dentures which I started wearing in January.

As the swelling goes down I constantly have to use a home remedy as something to re-line until I get back to my dentist for a new soft or hard liner. (Which is delayed for lengthly reasons I won't go into right now.)

It sounds like the Dentures are too big especially if you have to use a ton of adhesive. Also, as I understand it our gums continue to shrink over years and years and frequently there is nothing for the Dentures to hold on to.

There is a commercial product called "Snug" that can be used as a temporary liner to help dentures fit better all over. It also can be cut into strips if they're spot areas that need to be more "Snug".

Because I my teeth were removed so recently I seem to have more adjustment then I can do what the "Snug".

I'm into crafts and I tried a craft product that works very well for me. It's called thermoplastic beads. This is plastic that you can melt in 140 to 160 degree water then mold by hand to any shape you want while they're still warm. It they cool be the shape is perfect it can be reinserted into the water and pulled back out for further molding.
I found that I needed thin sheets of this plastic in order to get it to the areas of the Denture where they were needed. To accomplish this I put a teaspoon or so of the beans between two layers of non-stick foil used my craft iron and flatten them out into Sheetz about 1 mm 2 mm thick. When it cools the plastic is really hard so you have to have good scissors to cut these thin sheets into the desired shape. I then placed the pieces inside my denture and set the Denture inside a cup of hot water for a few minutes till the beads turn clear. Hot not willing water is the key. Return to the thermostat up to high on our hot water heater and the water that comes out of the faucet is 150° which is perfect for melting these things.
Anytime I get a rough spot or need to tune up the fence I just run hot water over the back of the Denture with a plastic is and the beads turn clear and I and I put that in my mouth and mold it back again.
I do not understand why I cannot upload an image of what I'm talking about, but I will continue to try.